Three New Suggestions Made by MP Ek Nath Dhakal for Inclusion in the Upcoming Budget
Member of Parliament Ek Nath Dhakal, while participating in the discussion on the Principles and Priorities of Appropriation Bill 2081, presented some new suggestions. He emphasized increasing agricultural production to boost exports and decrease imports, thereby strengthening the national economy.
Dhakal stressed the need for constructing necessary physical infrastructure for further tourism development. He also suggested promoting the hospitality industry and utilizing Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports to their full capacity.
As a former minister, Dhakal emphasized prioritizing the construction of the reservoir-based Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project and starting work as soon as possible. He highlighted the importance of hydropower development.
Dhakal pointed out that except for some growth in tourism and electricity generation, most other economic indicators of Nepal are not satisfactory. He explained that the current Nepali economy faces challenges due to factors like revenue collection falling short of targets, serious problems in cooperatives and microfinance within the financial sector, a significant amount of money required to repay loan obligations, collected revenue being insufficient to meet mandatory liabilities, and a trade deficit.
Dhakal argued that the current economic situation demands a budget that promotes high and sustainable economic growth, fosters production and job creation, reduces poverty, and helps achieve sustainable development goals. He criticized the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill, stating that they are mere rituals and do not address these needs. He stressed the need for revision and rewriting of the bill.
Dhakal pointed out that most of the topics mentioned in the principles of the Appropriation Bill are simply a continuation of the past. He argued that simply continuing traditions won't help achieve new goals. He highlighted essential topics that should not be missed in the principles of the Appropriation Bill: the concept of peace-sensitive development, the concept of environmentally friendly development, and creating a moral society and upholding human values.
While economic development and good governance are on the agenda of almost all political parties, Dhakal emphasized that parties need to be clear about the development model and the parameters of good governance.
Dhakal stated that the upcoming budget should focus on achieving the national goal of "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali." He recalled the public announcement of 55 indicators - 32 for achieving prosperity and 23 for happiness - during the 15th Five-Year Plan. He expressed his belief that the upcoming budget would be aligned with these goals.
Three New Suggestions Made by MP Ek Nath Dhakal are as follows:
- Including the concept of peace-sensitive development in the principles of the Appropriation Bill.Dhakal explained that unequal distribution of state resources creates societal division, which sows the seeds of conflict. He argued that implementing the concept of peace-sensitive development is necessary for social justice and the peace process to be meaningful.
- Form an Interfaith and Intercultural Commission to promote social harmony, unity, and brotherhood.
- Introduce moral education at the school level to create a moral society. Provide extensive public awareness and proper family education to protect family values. The government needs to be aware that the "Western wind" entering Nepal in the name of rights and freedoms has eroded Nepal's true family values. The budget should discourage activities that break up families and go against natural values. The government should strive to present a budget that strengthens families.
Dhakal, also the founder of the Nepal Pariwar Dal, has consistently raised issues related to interfaith unity, protecting family values, and creating a moral society.
